The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - balance v.

1) weigh, estimate, ponder, consider, deliberate, assess, compare, evaluate: We need to balance the advantages and the disadvantages. 2) steady, poise; equalize, stabilize, level, match, even out or up: The see-saw will balance better if both of you get on the other end. 3) compensate (for) , make up for, counterbalance, offset, match, equal; counterpoise: The column of mercury in the barometer balances the atmospheric pressure on the surface of the bowl. The total of expenses seems to balance the total of income. --n. 4) scale(s) , steelyard: According to the balance, the package weighs two pounds. 5) control, command, authority, weight, preponderance: Britain held the balance of power during those decades. 6) equilibrium, stability, steadiness, footing; equiponderance; equality, harmony: The acrobat almost lost his balance on the high wire. It is important to maintain a balance between presentation and content. 7) remainder, residue, rest; excess, surplus, difference: You take these and I'll follow with the balance. My bank balance is down to zero.